Heaven Enjoys DVD Sales

After somewhat disappointing reviews and a very
disappointing domestic box office, Kingdom
of Heaven had to keep swinging to stay alive. Luckily,
the film was appreciated overseas and has now earned its ample, and just,
reward with the release of this epic film to DVD.

Kingdom of Heaven DVD Sales

According to THR,
Kingdom of Heaven topped both the DVD sales and rental charts its
first week out, after making just $47.4 million at the domestic box office.

After finally viewing the film on DVD, I almost posted an 'after-market'
review on the film, as I now feel that the critics may have been a little
too hard on Kingdom of Heaven. Actually, this film is a perfect
example of how moviegoers and critics may be straight-up sick of epic films
of this caliber; or of movie theatres in general. Kingdom of Heaven
may have a couple of flaws [mentioned below], but this film is far from
flawed. I actually caught myself watching the film for a second time only
a few days after my initial viewing. Yes, I will say it, Kingdom of
Heaven is a GOOD film.

There were only a few issues I had with the entire film; some of which you
have probably already heard before. First, films that cover a factual event
always get criticized on their accuracy. I dare you to look up a 'fact vs
fiction' on Braveheart and see what comes up there. Epics such
as these are known to miss in certain points, but do the best job they can
to educate while sticking to the primary goal of entertainment.

Second, there were various moments in the film where I felt like Ridley
Scott was purposely pissing on his own film. You know when bands end a great
song on a bad note, such as with screaming or a recorded discussion? Well,
Ridley Scott decided he would use the most awkward slow-motion sequences
at the worst of times. After the main battle is finally over, Scott throws
in one last, and pointless, slow-motion shot [jerky slow motion] that has
absolutely no use for the film. Every time Scott fell back on this sort
of technique, I couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable. Fortunately,
Scott does keep this style of cinematography to a minimum.

Third, the story of Balian was a tough one to completely believe. How does
a blacksmith with no previous connection to any noble roots step up and
become one of the greatest knights of his time overnight? Well, I couldn't
figure that part out, but I still appreciated the film for the story it
wanted to tell.

In closing, Orlando Bloom
received a bit of criticism when Kingdom of Heaven entered theatres.
This criticism claimed that the young actor might not be ready for the spotlight
yet or that he just doesn't fit the masculine role required to be a noble
knight of this period. I say bullshit to that, Orlando Bloom played a solid
role [except for his retard phase at the beginning] and, hence, convinced
me to watch the film a second time within a week.

If you want to learn more of the historical accuracy of Kingdom of Heaven,
check out our own Fact vs Fiction.